Posted on 04/07/2003 11:54:20 AM PDT by Sabertooth
Nerve agent (excerpt) Nerve agents are organophosphate compounds. Nerve agents are normally divided into G-agents (fluorine- or cyanide-containing organophosphates) and V-agents (sulfur-containing organophosphates). The principal nerve agents are tabun (GA), sarin (GB), soman (GD), cyclosarin (GF), and VX Nerve agents are all viscous liquids, not gases per se. However, the vapor pressures of the G-series nerve agents are sufficiently high for the vapors to be rapidly lethal. GB is so volatile that small droplets released from a shell exploding in the air may never reach the ground. This total volatilization means that GB is largely a vapor hazard. G-agents are potent inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is required for the function of many nerves and muscles. People poisoned by G-agents may display the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, drooling, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, cramps, twitching, jerking, staggering, headache, confusion, drowsiness, coma, and convulsions. The number and severity of the symptoms depend on the quantity and route of entry of the nerve agent into the body. When a nerve agent is inhaled, a prominent symptom is the pinpointing of the pupils (miosis) and a dimness of vision. Nerve agents are cumulative poisons. Repeated exposure to low concentrations, if not too far apart, will produce symptoms.
Organophosphate Pesticides - Introduction (excerpt) The organophosphates have replaced DDT as the leading pesticides because of their rapid breakdown into environmentally safe products. However, they have far more immediate toxicity than DDT and other related products. There are more than 40 organophosphate pesticides on the market today and all can have acute and sub-acute toxicity. They are used in agriculture, homes, gardens, and in veterinary practice. They are all inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cause similar symptoms. In 1999, more than 13,000 cases of organophosphate poisoning were reported to US poison centers, with more than 3000 cases seen in the emergency department (ED) and 83 fatalities. Carbamate insecticides have a similar action of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. However it is a temporary bond, usually lasting less than 12 hours. Additionally, the carbamates have less penetration across the blood-brain barrier than the organophosphates.
Gulflink
Kentucky Regional Poison Center
What kind of bugs do they have in Iraq anyhow? Any bug specialists lurking here?
Hidden in bunkers, no less.
Merely typical storage method for common pesticide. (end sarcasm)
You are correct to observe the tendancy, too, of the media to muddle up sites and specifics. Thanks for clarifying the business about above ground/below ground w/ camo.
The main post-ganglionic neurotransmitter (from CNS--brain and spinal cord--to specialized spinal nerves in a clump--"ganglion"-- to end organ) is acetyl choline. It is released from presynaptic nerve membranes in pulses of mini-packets of neurotransmitter. Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme that breaks down the neuro-transmitter as if to "refresh" the synapse and to enable the continuous digital, off-on, transmission aspect (there is also analogue transmission in and among neurons) of cholinergic neruons. All this takes place in milliseconds or quicker.
AChE-I strikes at the heart of the nervous system, and the organophosphates render uesless the barrier that normally protects the CNS from blood-borne agents---a truly fast-acting and deadly concoction.
That's why these agents are common components in insecticides and WMD.
I think this find could better interpreted with more data (such as, near a farming community or a supplier of pesticides, etc., etdc.)
This stuff is dangerous--especially if concentrated a little more than pesticide grade--not hard to do.
This is a dual-use subterfuge.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.